tween birthday party essentials

We just hosted a birthday party for my daughter and her friend. I already posted the easy to make ice cream sandwich cake that we served. Here are the rest of the fun details from the party.

hinged countertop

Ever wish you had more counter space in your kitchen? I do, everyday!  Well, we came up with a way to have additional surface space (just when we want it) with this hinged countertop.

This is such a simple and easy way to add surface space.

ice cream cake

I recently threw my daughter a birthday party, and this was the cake she requested -which I was pretty happy about because. . .

This seriously has to be the easiest cake to make, ever!

vacation

Hi Friends,

I'm on vacation this week with my family.

Before we leave, I'm hosting a double birthday pool party for my daughter and her cute friend. (Can you say twice the fun, half the work!) The girls requested this ice cream cake.

Then we're off to play in the pretty White Mountains. Handyman was just up a few weeks ago hiking Mt Adams and Mt Washington. I'll be back next week.

White Mountains, image source

In the meantime, you can stay in touch with me through Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Have a good week,

reference books for DIY

Ever wonder how some people seem to know to DIY everything? Well, maybe they don't. . .or didn't.

Before we bought our current house our DIY experience was limited to cosmetic fixes, additions to our previous new construction home, and experience working alongside our dads.

Reference Books for DIY

print funtion button

Hi Readers,

I'm so excited to let you know that I've added a print function button to the blog. I wanted to make it easier for you to print out recipes, like these cookies and cream cheesecakes from yesterday.

Now there is a PRINT button on the bottom of each post. Here's a photo of what it now looks like on the blog page:

Print Button Location on Blog

This button will allow you to:

• print the post without any ads
• choose if you want to include the photo
• change the text size, that way you can fit it in your own recipe collection anyway you choose
• delete sections of text (I often linked up my recipes to other blogs, so this will allow you to print only the recipe part)
• email the post to anyone
• save as a PDF file

So many options now with this one simple button!

Let me know if you have any questions.

Happy Printing,

cookies and cream cheesecakes

It was my babysitter's birthday this week and we wanted to let her know how much we appreciate her. Seriously, she's the best babysitter! The kids are always in bed when we get back and the house is spotless. And she's spills the scoop on everything that happened while I was away. She's the best! So, the kids and I made and delivered these little treats for her.

These little cupcakes are for Oreo and cheesecake lovers only!

I love how you can read the Oreo imprint right through the paper cupcake liner of these cookies and cream cheesecakes.

teaching children life lessons through pet ownership

We finally did it. . .we got a family pet. A hamster. A fancy bear hamster specifically.

broccoli salad

Want your kids to eat their veggies? Serve this slightly sweet broccoli salad with your next dinner.

I'm pretty lucky. . .my kids like broccoli! But I know lots of kids, and, ahem, some adults don't.

This raw broccoli salad could not be easier to make.

It's the perfect make ahead side dish.

sweet broccoli salad

top five {july}

I can't believe July is over already! It seems like summer just started, and there are too many fun things to do before it ends.

Just in case you missed one, here are my top five posts from July:

white nylon lanterns and globe string lights draped outdoors

This is  another photo of the nylon lanterns I bought for our outdoor party last month. I haven't taken them down -they're just too cute bobbing in the breeze, and it keeps my yard party ready all summer. Love 'em!

1) Camping with Kids
easy activities to pack and meals to prepare

2) No Bake Cheesecake
the perfect summer cheesecake that setups in the fridge

3) Danish Apple Pie
the alternative to once a year apple pie

4) Nylon Lanterns
the Chinese style lanterns that can withstand a rainstorm

5) Summer Pinch Bowls
a thrift store find perfect for organizing all your little things

A special thank you to my readers! Thank you for stopping and reading my blog. I appreciate all your comments and for joining me on this journey as we take baby steps towards updating, renovating, and decorating our little yellow cape.